The sonnenBatterie is described as a complete plug-and-play-storage system, with numerous smart-home functions, and access via computer or smartphone.
With its lifespan of 10 000 charge cycles, the sonnenBatterie is said to be well suited to daily loading and unloading – as is necessary for self-consumption of solar power.
Worldwide, close to 10 000 units have already been sold.
Meanwhile in its home market of Germany, sonnen has developed what it calls the sonnenCommunity, members of which can generate their own power, store it and share surpluses online with friends or each other. This "completely replaces traditional power companies and will soon be available to every household in Germany."
The sonnenCommunity consists primarily of homeowners with PV and a sonnenBatterie, which can be purchased for 3599 euros (inc. VAT). Surplus electricity that can’t be consumed or stored is shared online with the sonnenCommunity and thereby made available to members who need power. The sonnenCommunity combines three technologies: decentralised power generation; advanced battery storage technology; and digital networking. Control is "assumed by a powerful, self- learning software platform that connects the individual members of the community." By monitoring the production and consumption data of the members in real time the platform balances supply and demand. Combining weather and member consumption data creates the basis for a precise prognosis for the expected production and demand within the sonnenCommunity. The cyclical energy input from renewable sources thus "becomes calculable and can be flexibly integrated."
(Originally published in MPS February 2016)
